Earlier this year, the MAC announced UMass would be returning to the league beginning on July 1, 2025.
That means, for the first time in more than a decade, UMass has a conference home. Here’s more info about the move and what it means for the Minutemen football team.
UMass-MAC Conference Arrangement & Timetable
Most of UMass’ sports will be competing in the MAC after the 2024-25 academic year. That includes football, men’s and women’s basketball, baseball, men’s and women’s cross country, field hockey, men’s and women’s track and field, women’s lacrosse, women’s soccer, softball, men’s and women’s swimming and diving, and women’s tennis.
As of now, UMass is independent in football and plays in the Atlantic 10 in all other sports.
“As one of the nation’s leading public research universities, with a rich tradition of intercollegiate athletics, UMass Amherst is well suited to join the similarly situated institutions of the Mid-American Conference,” Chancellor Javier A. Reyes said in a press release. “We are aligned with the MAC in our institutional missions, our values, and the profound impact we have on our respective communities. We join the MAC with great enthusiasm knowing that this affiliation through athletics will elevate and extend the profile and exposure of both UMass Amherst and all members of the MAC’s member institutions significantly.”
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What Conference & Division Is UMass Football In?
UMass has been an independent football program since 2015. The Minutemen were in the MAC before then.
UMass’ first season in the FBS was 2012. The Minutemen played in the MAC for three years before going independent.
UMass will be the 13th member of the MAC in football. The conference is getting rid of divisions for the 2024 season and beyond.
“Today marks a historic moment for the Mid-American Conference as we proudly welcome the University of Massachusetts into our family,” MAC Commissioner Jon Steinbrecher said in a press release. “Adding UMass is an exciting next step as we increase the strength of our collective programs. We are thrilled to welcome their student-athletes, coaches, administrators, alumni and fans to the Conference.
“The opportunity to add a state flagship institution with exceptional academics and a storied athletics tradition does not come along often. I look forward to our collaborative efforts in providing outstanding opportunities for student-athletes to maximize their intellectual and athletic pursuits.”
UMass’ Football Record
UMass went 4-8 in 2023. That was the Minutemen’s best record since 2018. They started this season 1-5 overall.
UMass hasn’t had a single winning season or a bowl appearance since joining the FBS in 2012. The Minutemen are 24-112 in the FBS.
“Our entire athletics program will benefit greatly by aligning and partnering with the Mid-American Conference and its member institutions,” UMass athletic director Ryan Bamford said in a press release. “As we consider our future in a very challenging and choppy college athletics landscape, having conference peers with similar institutional profiles, aspirations and commitments toward athletics excellence will provide stability and strength. Furthermore, our transition to the MAC will provide additional resources allowing our department to evolve and grow in a manner that will support student academic success and competitive excellence.”
UMass Football 2024 Schedule
UMass plays five MAC opponents in 2024.
The Minutemen opened the season against Eastern Michigan at home on Aug. 31, then played Toledo and Buffalo on the road the following two weeks.
UMass also took on Miami (Ohio) on Sept. 28 and Northern Illinois on Oct. 5 on the road. UMass’ lone win has been against Central Connecticut State.
The Minutemen will also play Liberty, UConn, and Wagner, as well as Power Four opponents Missouri, Mississippi State, and Georgia.
UMass’ Football Head Coach & Coaching Staff
Don Brown is in his third season in his second stint as UMass’ head coach in 2024. He led the Minutemen to a 4-20 record the past two years.
Brown was also UMass’ head coach from 2004-08. The Minutemen were 43-19 during that time, which was the winningest five-year stretch in program history. They won two conference championships and made two appearances in the FCS playoffs.
Before 2022, Brown was a defensive coordinator at several other FBS programs including Arizona (2021), Michigan (2016-20), Boston College (2013-15), UConn (2011-12), and Maryland (2009-10).
